Abstract

VAZQUEZ, Diego P. Reconsidering the Hutchinsonian niche. Ecol. austral [online]. 2005, vol.15, n.2, pp.149-158. ISSN 1667-782X.

The niche is a central concept in ecology. However, it has been difficult to achieve a clear and general definition. One historically important and currently influential definition is the one proposed by G. E. Hutchinson. In spite of its importance, this definition also presents several limitations, particularly its connection to the idea of interspecific competition. This connection between niche and competition has remained until present, hindering the evolution of a more general, less ambiguous concept. In this article I suggest several modifications to Hutchinson´s original concept, which I believe might help to mitigate some of its limitations.

Keywords : Competition; Dispersal; Interspecific interactions; Fundamental niche; Mutualism; Realized niche.

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